Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction that Spain emerged unscathed from their final home friendly match, giving debut opportunities to several young players. He emphasized that the team’s intensity would increase once they reached North America for the World Cup.
Despite being considered favorites for the World Cup, Spain played to a 1-1 draw against Iraq in a warm-up game in La Coruna, fielding a significantly altered lineup.
De la Fuente highlighted the importance of the match for gaining experience and avoiding injuries. Moving forward, he emphasized the need for heightened intensity and greater squad involvement as they head to the United States.
Spain, set to be stationed in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the tournament, will play Peru in their last friendly in Puebla, Mexico before commencing their Group H matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
Several key players, such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and others, were rested due to fitness concerns, while new faces like Marc Bernal and Jon Martin made their senior debuts against Iraq.
De la Fuente commended the debutants, noting their deserving performances and the benefit of granting them opportunities. He expressed confidence in their potential for the senior team, marking it as a successful achievement.
Yamal’s fitness remains a question mark as he recuperates from a hamstring injury sustained in April. De la Fuente indicated the possibility of his readiness for the opening game against Cape Verde on June 15 but acknowledged uncertainties in the recovery process.
